University of Chester to welcome charity runner on 100-mile challenge in memory of student Aaron Mills

The five-day fundraising challenge, organised by Aaron’s father Anthony Mills and undertaken by family friend Shaun McEntee, will raise awareness of meningitis and support the charity Meningitis Now.

Shaun is running from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster to Anfield in Liverpool, covering around 100 miles over five days. On his journey, he will stop at several higher education institutions, including the University of Chester, to help raise awareness of the risks of meningitis among university students.

The route has been carefully planned to coincide with a long-running campaign led by Aaron’s family following his death. Their efforts have focused on increasing awareness of bacterial meningitis among young people, particularly those preparing to start university.

Aaron had recently begun studying Football Science at Liverpool John Moores University and dreamed of one day working in professional football. A lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, he lived and breathed the sport - playing, coaching, refereeing and studying football. 

The challenge begins at Aggborough Stadium, home of Kidderminster Harriers, the club Aaron passionately supported. Following his death, the club paid tribute with a standing ovation in the 18th minute of a match and presented Aaron’s friends with a signed shirt bearing the words “AARON 18”.

The run will conclude at Anfield on Sunday 20 September, a fitting finish for a young man whose family say Liverpool FC was “his religion”.

Anthony Mills said: “The side mission of the route is to coincide with the awareness raising and campaigning for bacterial meningitis that we have done since Aaron passed. First-year students are at risk and we wanted to visit universities along the route to make some noise and inform students of the dangers of meningitis.

“Aaron’s story was influential in the recent government decision to vaccinate all 18-year-olds heading to university with a MenB vaccine. Following an emotional meeting with Minister Sharon Hodgson, we wanted this challenge to continue that conversation and help protect other families from experiencing the same loss.”

Shaun, who is the son-in-law of Aaron’s godfather and whose family supported the Mills family while Aaron was in hospital, said he was determined to honour Aaron’s memory.

Shaun said: “I want my kids to grow up just like Aaron. My main goal is to raise awareness of the awful disease that took an amazing young man from a perfect family. It shouldn’t happen to anyone.

“Taking on this challenge is my way of honouring Aaron and helping ensure other families do not have to go through the same heartbreak.”

Despite never having completed an endurance challenge of this scale before, Shaun has undergone an intensive training programme combining gym-based strength work with three to four runs each week to build his mileage. Along the way, he has received support from universities connected to the route, including specialist training advice and research opportunities.

Anthony added: “I had always thought that a run from Aggborough to Anfield would be the most fitting challenge in Aaron’s honour, but I knew I wasn’t capable of doing it myself.

“Not long afterwards, Shaun came to me with exactly the same idea. I knew he had the heart and determination to do it. He thought a lot of Aaron, as everybody did.

“I am in full support of all the fundraising events and tributes held in Aaron’s honour because they keep his memory alive. Shaun’s challenge is huge and so poignant. He has my lifelong respect.”

Dr Helen Galbraith, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester, said: “We are proud to support the Aggborough to Anfield challenge and to help raise awareness of meningitis among our student community. Aaron’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact this disease can have, and we hope Shaun’s visit will encourage students to learn more about meningitis, recognise the symptoms, and ensure they are up to date with recommended vaccinations. We wish Shaun and everyone involved the very best for the journey ahead.”

Students, staff and members of the public are encouraged to come along and support Shaun when he arrives at the University of Chester as he continues his journey towards Liverpool. He is expected to arrive at Exton Park on Saturday, September 19 at approximately 3pm.

For more information and to donate, visit: Aggborough to Anfield for Aaron
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Captions:

Aaron Mills.

Shaun McEntee.